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US City Data

Grass Valley, CA

Population 14,126 · California

Population
14,126
Median Income
$48,850
Median Home Value
$458,400
Median Rent
$1,417/mo

About Grass Valley, CA

Grass Valley is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 14,126 residents. The median household income is $48,850 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Grass Valley is 49.6 years.

Housing in Grass Valley has a median home value of $458,400 and median monthly rent of $1,417. Of the 7,321 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,718 owner-occupied and 4,115 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Grass Valley is 4.0% and the poverty rate is 20.7%. 32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.3 minutes.

Cost of Living in Grass Valley, CA

Compared to national averages, Grass Valley has a median household income of $48,850 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $458,400, which is 87% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,417 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Grass Valley's income is 50% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 30% below the state median of $653,874.

Income vs National
$48,850
National: $75,149
California: $97,829
Home Value vs National
$458,400
National: $244,900
California: $653,874
Rent vs National
$1,417
National: $1,163
California: $1,808
Unemployment vs National
4%
National: 3.7%
California: 9.2%

Why Live in Grass Valley, CA?

Grass Valley offers short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($48,850) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $458,400. However, Grass Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Grass Valley has a population of 14,126 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Grass Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.

Similar Cities Near Grass Valley

Cities in California with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
McFarland14,138$51,801$245,500Compare
Mill Valley14,064$208,466$2,000,001Compare
East Rancho Dominguez14,219$67,645$548,400Compare
North Auburn13,833$72,125$503,400Compare
Hawaiian Gardens13,816$76,025$509,600Compare
Alamo14,441$250,001$2,000,001Compare
Livingston14,450$76,158$339,800Compare
Salida14,457$91,990$448,700Compare

Demographics

49.6
Median Age
6,329
Male
7,797
Female
8.3%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White6.9Hispanic/Latino2.8Black0Asian1.8Two or More0.4

Economy & Education

4%
Unemployment Rate
20.7%
Poverty Rate
32%
Bachelor's Degree+
17.3 min
Avg Commute

Housing

7,321
Total Housing Units
2,718
Owner Occupied
4,115
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in California

Bear Valley Cdp Alpine County CaliforniaBear Valley Cdp Mariposa County CaliforniaGreen Valley Cdp Los Angeles County CaliforniaGreen Valley Cdp Solano County CaliforniaLittle Grass ValleySpring Valley Cdp Lake County California

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Grass Valley With Other Cities

Grass Valley vs Bear Valley Cdp Alpine County CaliforniaGrass Valley vs Bear Valley Cdp Mariposa County CaliforniaGrass Valley vs Green Valley Cdp Los Angeles County CaliforniaGrass Valley vs Green Valley Cdp Solano County California

Frequently Asked Questions about Grass Valley

What is the population of Grass Valley, CA?

The population of Grass Valley, CA is 14,126 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Grass Valley?

The median household income in Grass Valley, CA is $48,850 per year.

What is the median home value in Grass Valley?

The median home value in Grass Valley, CA is $458,400.

What is the average rent in Grass Valley?

The median monthly rent in Grass Valley, CA is $1,417.

What is the unemployment rate in Grass Valley?

The unemployment rate in Grass Valley, CA is 4.0%.

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